With the coalition government’s repeal of the ban on offshore oil and gas exploration and the decision to allow coal mining to continue after 2030, one might assume New Zealand would be quietly exiting the group.

But climate change minister Simon Watts says there’s no plans to do so.

BOGA was launched by the governments of Denmark and Costa Rica in 2021 and includes 13 nation states and two local governments as full members and New Zealand and California as associate members.

Full members include European Union members France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Pacific states Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and the Marshall Islands. 

Oil Change International campaign manager David Tong says if the government does resume issuing offshore oil exploration permits it will no longer be eligible for associate membership.

He says with the NZ EU free trade deal including clauses on the climate European members of BOGA will be paying close attention to the country's contribution to reducing emissions.

In 2021, the then climate change minister James Shaw told the Capital Monitor Newsletter that New Zealand’s associate – rather than full - membership was because the commitments required for full membership would open up the country to the risk of investor lawsuits from companies with existing fossil fuel exploration rights.

BOGA members are expected to follow the “guidance of the International Energy Agency to cease development of new oil and gas fields”.

In 2021 the IEA called for an immediate stop to the development of new oil and gas fields.

Climate change minister Simon Watts says the coalition government is committed to delivering our climate change targets and supporting the transition to a low emissions future.

“Part of this commitment is also upholding the COP28 agreement to transition - globally - away from fossil fuels in energy systems in a just, orderly and equitable manner.”

It’s worth noting that COP28 agreement was signed by each and every major fossil fuel producing country on Earth.

Watts says the decision to repeal the offshore oil and gas exploration ban and allow the continuation of coal mining after 2030 are to protect New Zealand’s energy security and ensure “we have enough energy to fuel our consumption and keep our country moving.”

“That’s why this Government is supporting work to help New Zealand transition to cleaner energy sources, improve energy efficiency, and ensure projects that help lower emissions are fast tracked.”

“All of these actions should align to our associate member status to BOGA as it helps our country decarbonise and transition to a low emissions economy.”

The fast track law could equally be used to open up conservation lands for coal mining.

Carbon News has sought comment from BOGA but is yet to hear back.